Symbionese Liberation Army

The Symbionese Liberation Army was an American communist group that existed from 1973 to 1975, committing bank robberies and two murders in addition to other acts of violence. Donald DeFreeze created the SLA, with its name coming from the term "symbiosis"; DeFreeze believed that all races, genders, and ages should live together peacefully and form a united front. The group became famous for its abduction of heiress Patty Hearst, who was forced to become a group member after being sexually assaulted and virtually brainwashed. By 1975, however, its members had been killed or imprisoned.